User-centric connections to a location comprising digital collaboration tools

ABSTRACT

A method, device and system for providing user-centric connections to a location comprising digital collaboration tools, as well as software for carrying out the method. The method includes a network device having a beacon system for proximity detection and a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). A confirmed BYOD proximity can be used to initiate the setup of a data channel between the network device and the BYOD, and further join the BYOD to a UC (Unified Communications systems and tools) session.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. app. 17/254,320,filed Dec. 21, 2020 and granted as U.S. Pat. 11,489,883, which is thenational stage entry of PCT/EP2019/068030, filed Jul. 4, 2019, which isa continuation-in-part of U.S. app. 16/028,529, filed Jul. 6, 2018 andgranted as U.S. Pat. 10,999,332, which are incorporated by reference.

Methods, devices and a system are described for user-centric connectionsto a location comprising digital collaboration tools as well as softwarefor carrying out the method.

BACKGROUND

Communication within an enterprise environment (e.g. at companies,education sites, hospitals, entertainment locations, etc.) has changedand is moving away from location-specific behavior where a dedicatedlocal device with a specific phone or video calling number was present.Wireless connections enable an employee to have access to the digitalinfrastructure almost anywhere within or in proximity of the enterprisebuilding. However, while this technology can offer freedom, manysolutions results in a complex user workflow when a user wants toconnect to the resources at the present location. In many cases it isrequired of the user to book a meeting beforehand or to use a meetingroom control panel in order to get access to the room resources, or tocall a specific meeting room number to get connected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can allow any enterprise room (for meetings,trainings, stage presentations, etc.) to become user centric withpreferably very limited action from the user. Communication can becentralized e.g. within standardized Unified Communications (UC) systemor tools environments, and using meeting rooms then becomes a differentexperience. Embodiments of the present invention can providestandardized and unified workflows to a collaboration environment.Hence, embodiments of the present invention may overcome ay least one ofthe above mentioned deficiencies,

For example, a user can walk into a room, be connected and start a UCmeeting right from their laptop. Also the users can augment theircapabilities with that of the meeting room (e.g. resources such as aroom display, camera, microphones, etc.). Thus, a user may use the roomdisplay to share locally, and use video and/or audio equipment toenhance communication quality in the meeting. By using embodiments ofthe present invention, sharing can be implemented both remotely andlocally. The experience can be compared to what a user may have athis/her desk, so using room resources may not require any additionaltraining or hurdles. Ultimately the user and his/her guests can enter aUC session in any room without having to follow or change pre-bookings,pre-configurations or other predetermined constraints.

Thus, when a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is brought within a beaconsystem range the detected proximity can trigger an automatic set-up ofconfiguring the room resource to become an extended resource to theuser/BYOD or the UC session.

Consequently, the connection to the room resources may also beautomatically terminated when there is no more BYOD within the proximityrange of the local network device (while the ongoing UC session does notneed to be terminated). Hence, the user/BYOD could enter another meetingroom and connect ad-hoc to a network device and corresponding roomresources of that room. There is no need to pre-allocate rooms orresources or consult a calendar tool to collect information onparticipants, but the connection authorization is based on that at leastone of the BYOD’s participating in a UC session, is located within theproximity range of a network device (beacon system).

Devices participating in a meeting can comprise BYODs located in therelated meeting room, room resources in the meeting room and remoteBYODs connecting via a UC (Unified Communications system or tools)session. There may also be BYODs inside the meeting room that are notconnected to the UC session. Embodiments of the present invention allowto synchronize the connectivity status of the UC session between the UCsession, a BYOD app and a network device app such that an actionexecuted within the BYOD app can be subsequentially executed within theBYOD UC session. For example, a BYOD operator can request a sharingaction by performing an action with the BYOD app (e.g. pushing an icon),the BYOD app can then automatically communicate this request to the UCclient and trigger the launch of the sharing action within the UCsession.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a room formeetings, trainings, stage presentations, etc. and a method of operatingthe room so that collaboration becomes more user centric with preferablyvery limited action from the user.

This has the advantage of changing the way meeting rooms and meetingsare perceived by the users. The collaboration becomes more efficientbecause the time consuming procedures to join an electronic meeting arereduced.

In one embodiment of the present invention there can be provided amethod for joining a network device UC client to a UC session connectedto at least one BYOD UC client, the network device and the BYOD each cancomprise a beacon transmitter configured to periodically or continuouslytransmit a beacon signal, or a beacon receiver configured to receive thebeacon signal within its range, so that they can exchange the beaconsignal, the beacon signal having a range, the network device cancomprise an ID, a network device application (app) and a UC client, andthe BYOD can comprise a BYOD app and a UC client, the method cancomprise the steps of bringing the BYOD and the network device withinthe beacon signal range so that the BYOD and the network device canexchange a beacon signal comprising the network device ID, and generateand register an authentication-ID key, the exchanged beacon signal cantrigger the BYOD app and the network device app to configure a datachannel between them, the configured data channel can trigger the BYODapp to check if the BYOD UC client is connected to a UC session, if so,the BYOD app can send an invitation comprising the authentication-ID keyto the network device app instructing the UC client to connect to the UCsession, the network device app can check if at least one BYOD app thathas a configured data channel to the network device app is also in theUC session, if so, the network device app can accept the invitation andinstruct the network device UC client to connect to the UC session.

This has the advantage that a BYOD can be joined to a UC session withoutfirst starting the UC session or starting a login procedure (possibly onan additional device) but the UC session information transfer is enabledin the connection procedure itself.

Additionally, the method can comprise a second BYOD, the network deviceand the second BYOD each can comprise a beacon transmitter configured toperiodically or continuously transmit a beacon signal, or a beaconreceiver configured to receive the beacon signal within its range, sothat they can exchange the beacon signal, the beacon signal having arange, the second BYOD can comprise a second BYOD app and a second UCclient, the method can further comprise the steps of

-   bringing the second BYOD and the network device within the beacon    signal range so that the second BYOD and the network device can    exchange a beacon signal,-   the exchanged beacon signal can trigger the second BYOD app and the    network device app to configure a data channel between them,-   the configured data channel can trigger the second BYOD app to check    if the network device UC client is connected to a UC session,-   if so, the second BYOD app can instruct the second UC client to    connect to the UC session. This has the advantage that a second BYOD    user entering a meeting room can automatically be joined by merely    walking into the meeting room. The UD session moderator does not    need to invite the second person or BYOD.

Additionally, the network device and the BYOD can comprise a secondbeacon system having a range for proximity detection and comprising abeacon transmitter configured to periodically or continuously transmit asecond beacon signal, the method can comprise bringing the networkdevice and the BYOD within the range for proximity detection, the secondbeacon system can exchange a second beacon signal, which can trigger thetransmitter of the first beacon system to periodically or continuouslysend out a first beacon signal during a limited amount of time or untila data channel has been configured between the network device and theBYOD.

This provides the possibility to not continuously transmit the warble(the first beacon signal).

Additionally, the method can comprise a step of registering a datachannel between the BYOD and the network device which can be preceededby the BYOD confirming to connect with the network device.

This makes sure the BYOD connects to the correct network device.

Additionally, the BYOD can comprise an BYOD identity, and the method cancomprise a step of registering a data channel, the method can comprisethe BYOD app requesting authentication with the network device app forthe BYOD identity.

Additionally, the method can comprise step of registering a datachannel, the method can comprise the network device computer programproduct generating and registering an authentication code with the BYODidentity.

Additionally or alternatively, the network device can be connected to aroom resource having input and output signals, and the method cancomprise the step of the network device app controlling the input andoutput signals of the room resource.

Additionally or alternatively, the BYOD app can adopt a BYOD app stateand the BYOD UC client can adopt a BYOD UC client state, the method cancomprise the step of the BYOD app bringing the BYOD UC client stateequal to the BYOD app state.

This has the advantage that the BYOD operator may share content via a UCsession or via local sharing but the same outcome will be obtained, e.g.that the content is shown on a room display.

Additionally, there can be another BYOD present of a third type, havinga BYOD app and no BYOD UC client, the method can comprise when thenetwork device is connected to a UC session, the BYOD app of the anotherBYOD of the third type can share content to the network device app, thenetwork device app can share the content to the network device UC clientwhich then can share the content in the UC session.

This enables a BYOD having no UC client to still participate in the UCcall if the BYOD is located within a meeting room that has a networkdevice connected to the UC session. The content can be shared in the UCsession and the UC session can be shared via the room display.

In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided asystem for joining a network device UC client to a UC session connectedto at least one BYOD UC client, the network device and the BYOD each cancomprise a beacon transmitter configured to periodically or continuouslytransmit a beacon signal, or a beacon receiver configured to receive thebeacon signal within its range, so that they can exchange the beaconsignal, the beacon signal having a range, the network device cancomprise an ID, a network device app and a UC client, and the BYODcomprises a BYOD app and a UC client, if the BYOD and the network deviceare positioned within the beacon signal range, there can be an exchangeof a beacon signal between the network device and the BYOD, wherein thebeacon signal can comprise a network device ID and a correspondingauthentication-ID for authorizing the BYOD UC client to connect to theUC session.

The system enables a procedure where a BYOD can be joined to a UCsession without first starting the UC session or starting a loginprocedure (perhaps on an additional device) but the UC sessioninformation transfer is enabled in the connection procedure itself.

Additionally the system can comprise a second BYOD, the network deviceand the second BYOD each comprising a beacon transmitter configured toperiodically or continuously transmit a beacon signal, or a beaconreceiver configured to receive the beacon signal within its range, sothat they can exchange the beacon signal, the beacon signal can have arange, the second BYOD can comprise a second BYOD app and a second UCclient, the system can be configured to

-   bring the second BYOD and the network device within the beacon    signal range so that the second BYOD and the network device can    exchange a beacon signal,-   the exchanged beacon signal can trigger the second BYOD app and the    network device app to configure a data channel between them,-   the configured data channel can trigger the second BYOD app to check    if the network device UC client is connected to a UC session,-   if so, the second BYOD app can instruct the second UC client to    connect to the UC session.

The system can enable a second BYOD user entering a meeting room toautomatically be joined by merely walking into the meeting room. Themoderator does not need to invite the second person or BYOD.

Additionally, the network device and the BYOD can comprise a secondbeacon system having a range for proximity detection and comprising abeacon transmitter configured to periodically or continuously transmit asecond beacon signal, the method can comprise bringing the networkdevice and the BYOD within the range for proximity detection, the secondbeacon system can exchange a second beacon signal, which can trigger thetransmitter of the first beacon system to periodically or continuouslysend out a first beacon signal during a limited amount of time or untila data channel has been configured between the network device and theBYOD.

This provides the possibility to not continuously transmit the warble(the first beacon signal).

Additionally, the system can comprise a BYOD confirmation to connect tothe network device and a registered data channel between the BYOD andthe network device.

Additionally, the system can comprise the BYOD having a BYOD identity,and the system can comprise a registered data channel and a BYOD apprequest for authentication of the BYOD identity with the network deviceapp.

Additionally, the system can comprise a registered data channel and thenetwork device app can comprise an authentication code with the BYODidentity.

Additionally or alternatively, the system can comprise that the networkdevice can be connected to a room resource having input and outputsignals which can be controlled by the network device.

Additionally or alternatively, the system can comprise the BYOD apphaving a BYOD app state and the BYOD UC client having a BYOD UC clientstate and the system can be configured to have the BYOD app bringing theBYOD UC client state equal to the BYOD app state.

Additionally, the system can comprise another BYOD of a third typehaving a BYOD app and no BYOD UC client, the system can be configured sothat the network device can be connected to a UC session, content of theBYOD app of the another BYOD of the third type can be shared to thenetwork device app, the content can be shared by the network device appto the network device UC client which can share the content in the UCsession. The system enables a BYOD having no UC client to stillparticipate in the UC call if the BYOD is located within a meeting roomthat has a network device connected to the UC session. The content canbe shared in the UC session and the UC session can be shared via theroom display.

In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided aprocessing device comprising a processing unit, an operating system, amemory, and a beacon transmitter or receiver, the memory can comprise atleast one pre-installed executable computer program product providing acommunication protocol for communication between the processing deviceand a standard class of BYOD devices, the processing device can beconfigured to having the BYOD and the network device exchanging a beaconsignal comprising the network device ID,

-   generate and register an authentication-ID key,-   having the exchanged beacon signal triggering the BYOD app and the    network device app to configure a data channel between them,-   having the configured data channel triggering the BYOD app to check    if the BYOD UC client is connected to a UC session,-   if so, having the BYOD app sending an invitation comprising the    authentication-ID key to the network device app instructing the UC    client to connect to the UC session,-   having the network device app checking if at least one BYOD app that    has a configured data channel to the network device app is also in    the UC session,-   and if so, having the network device app accepting the invitation    and instructing the network device UC client to connect to the UC    session.

A computer program product can also be provided which when executed on aprocessing engine can perform any of the methods according to thepresent invention. A non-transitory storage means can be used to storethe computer program product. The computer program product can becompiled for a processing engine in any of the electronic devices or iswritten in an interpretive language such as Java that runs on a virtualmachine such as the Java virtual machine. The non-transitory signalstorage medium can be for example, an optical disk (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM),a digital magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a solid state memory such as aUSB flash memory, a ROM, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention comprising aBYOD and a network device located within the beacon system range.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention comprising amultiple of BYOD’s and network devices at different locations.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed flow chart of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed flow chart of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the present inventioncomprising a BYOD leaving a UC session.

FIG. 7 shows a state diagram for a network device.

FIG. 8 shows a state diagram for a BYOD having a UC client.

FIG. 9 shows a state diagram for a BYOD having no UC client.

DEFINITIONS

A “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device) can be computational processing devicescomprising laptops, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, palm pads andthe like. In the present context it may also include a stationarycomputer. The computational processing device has means for providingcontent that can be outputted on an internal or external display device.

In accordance with the present invention the term “network device”relates to a network enabled digital processing device such as aPersonal Computer (PC) or a work station having some form of display ofinformation such as a display screen or one or more of a projector orother visible, audio or tactile displaying device. A network device hasa processing engine, i.e. digital processor such as an FPGA or amicroprocessor, having e.g. a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and/or aGraphical Processing Unit (GPU) and memory as well as interfaces such asa serial port or a network interface. A network device in operation isconnected to a network, can access this network and use the facilitiesof the network as well as having local capabilities, applications,functions etc. For example, a network device in a meeting room cancontrol access and manipulation of resourses connected to it. Example ofsuch resources can be displays, loudspeakers, microphones, furniture,lighting, temperature, etc. The network can be a shared resource networksuch as a Local Area network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN),Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), or a data network such as the Internetor can include combinations of these.

A network device as used with respect to the present invention generallydoes not relate to hardware that only mediates data in a computernetwork such as gateways, routers, bridges, switches, hubs, repeaters,multilayer switches, protocol converters, bridge routers, pure proxyservers, firewalls, network address translators, multiplexers, networkinterface controllers, wireless network interface controllers, modems,ISDN terminal adapters, line drivers, pure wireless access points,networking cables and other related hardware.

A network device can make use of a Network Access Device (or NAD) beingan electronic circuit that automatically connects the network device toa network such as a preferred network. A NAD is any device that, whenconnected to, provides access to a larger communication network of somesort.

“Unified Communications system or tools” or UC refers to audio or audiovisual communications such as provided by “Skype™” or “Skype™ forbusiness”. Such software can take over audio and/or visual data providedfrom a host processing device. Unified communication tool can bedescribed as a collection of tools to do VOIP, (web) conferencing,shared whiteboarding, message exchange (e.g. chat), file transfer, orpresence. Unified Communications system or tools can make use of aprotocol- or standard defined or specific communication session orinteraction, such as Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (“VoIP), text orinstant messaging (e.g., AIM, Blauk, eBuddy, Gadu-Gadu, IBM LotusSametime, ICQ, iMessage, IMVU, Lync, MXit, Paltalk, Skype, Tencent QQ,Windows Live Messenger™ or MSN Messenger™, Wireclub, Xfire, and Yahoo!Messenger™ email, Twitter (e.g., tweeting), Digital Service Protocol(DSP), and the like. Unified Communications system or tools can make useof video conferencing cloud service including a video conferencing nodeto allow one or more users located at the first video conferencingendpoint to communicate with one or more users located at the secondvideo conferencing endpoint in a video conference.

UC can be implemented as central computer program products on one ormore remote servers connected with local computational devices. Localcomputational devices can comprise a local computer program product (aso-called client) that can access a central UC. Thus, a “UC session” canrun on the remote server and be accessed by one or more local “UCclients” which can hereby exchange content. In the present context theterm “UC” also comprises variants such as e.g. “Unified Communications &Collaboration (UC&C), Unified Communidations as a Service (UCaaS), Videoconferencing solutions or similar solutions that allow audio and videocommunication both locally and remote.

A “beacon system” can comprise a beacon transmitter and a beaconreceiver configured to send and receive a beacon signal. A beacontransmitter or tranceiver is a device designed to attract attention toitself and/or its capabilities by means of sending wireless signals thatcan be read and parsed by any suitable transceiver or receiver withinrange or distance. Beacons can be low power transmitters that and unlikefull communication with a base unit or station, do not need to carrytraffic data. For example, pilot signals can operate as beacons, suchpilots only transmitting in the pilot channel of a wirelesstelecommunication system. A beacon can transmit and receive signallinginformation including access requests and grants. Some beacons can alsotransmit and receive traffic data. For example a video stream capturedby a camera associated with a network device can be sent to a mobiledevice over the beacon channel, or by other means such as over a networkvia the at least one server. Hence, if the beacon is reserved forsignalling only this transfer of traffic, i.e. video stream) would notgo via the beacon but via another wireless channel.

In any of the embodiments of the present invention it is specificallydisclosed by this paragraph that a beacon can be a means for shortdistance communication, for example Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low energy,Near Field Communication, Zigbee, Li-fi.

A simple means for short distance communication related to proximitydetection can be implemented with a loudspeaker (beacon transmitter) anda microphone (beacon receiver). The exchanged audio signal can bereferred to as a “warble”.

The proximity- or beacon range of a beacon system can be expressed in adistance and such range may additionally be limited e.g. by the walls ofa room.

A software application or “app” can be a computer program product whichis configured to handle exchange of data bewtween devices in a digitalor computerized system.

An app can be located on a remote application server and accessed vialocal clients. Apps can execute dedicated tasks on computerized devices.

A BYOD app, a network device app or a UC client can adopt a “state”related to e.g. connection- or sharing status. For example a BYOD appstate or just BYOD state can be “not connected” to a network device, orit can be “connected” and “sharing UC content”, etc.. The presentinvention allows to synchronize the connectivity and sharing statusbetween a device app and a UC client on either type of device. Forexample, if content is shared from a BYOD app, the app automaticallytriggers the BYOD UC client to share the same content in a UC session.Since a room display can be participant in the UC session (via thenetwork device UC client) and share its content to all participants inthe UC session, both those participants within the meeting room andremotely located participants can receive the shared content.

A “media data stream” comprises visual and/or audible content, forexample images, recorded videos, real-life camera streams, documents,etc., that can be inspected on any display device in a collaborationplatform. Additionally or alternatively, a data stream may contain audiodata or meta data such as keyboard and mouse events.

A “room” is a space inside a structure or building, e.g. usually, a roomis separated from both other rooms and the outside by walls and aceiling. Each room usually has a specified purpose, in the present casea meeting room or conference room, defined by its use and the equipmenttherein to achieve this purpose. A room can have a 15 dB attenuation ofwireless signals passing through the walls of the room.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present context, a user is an operator or person using a BYOD.For convenience, the following text may use a “room display” as exampleof a room resource, but the present invention is not limited hereto butcan comprise any resource that can be controlled by a network devicesuch as e.g. loudspeakers, videocameras, microphones, lighting,thermostats, projector devices, electronic white boards, room furniture,etc..

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising aconfined space or room 10. Inside the room 10 there is a BYOD 11 and anetwork device 15 which can control a room display 14. The networkdevice 15 can be connected to the room display 14 via channel 20, whichmay be wireless or cabled. The BYOD 11 can comprise a beacon receiver 12which can receive a beacon signal 17. Further the BYOD 11 can comprise aUC client 13 which can be connected to an active UC session on a UCserver 21. The UC server 21 can be located elsewhere on a off-premiseserver (often “in the cloud”).

The network device 15 can comprise a UC client 24 that can connect to aUC session at the UC server 21. The network device 15 can furthercomprise a beacon transmitter 16 which can transmit the beacon signal17. The beacon transmitter 16 and beacon receiver 12 can be referred toas a beacon system 22 having a proximity range. The proximity range maybe the largest value of the distance 23 that the transmitter andreceiver can be separated and still exchange a signal. The largest valueof the distance 23 may also be limited by the walls of a room. This canoccur when the walls and ceiling of a room provide an attenuation ofwireless signals such that the signal outside a room does not havesufficient enrgy for communications to be sustained. If a multiple ofBYOD’s are participating in the UC session (the BYOD’s may be locatedwithin the room 14 or connecting remotely) it may be desirable to sharethe content of the UC session to the room display 14.

It may also be desirable to share the content of the room display 14 toall participating BYOD’s. For example, if one participant is sharing tothe room display 14 without using the UC session , it’s advantageous ifthe all BYOD’s can also receive that content. This may be implemented bymaking the network device 15, which the room display 14 is controlledby, participant of the UC session , so that content can be shared fromthe room display 14 to all participants, independent of the channel usedto provide the content to the room display 14.

The present invention comprises a software application or “app” in theform of a network device app 18 and a BYOD app 19. The apps 18 and 19can be configured to monitor and perform actions related to the exchangeof data between the BYOD and the network device. The apps 18 and 19 canbe configured so that certain data transfers can trigger the apps toperform an action. In this way the BYOD can receive necessary data fore.g. establishing a connection to a resource device, with limited needof input from the BYOD operator. The present invention can provide auser-centric approach where the environment can react to the presence ofa BYOD and be configured to adapt hereto.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the present inventiondescribing the event of how to automatically join a network device (andhereby a room resource) to a UC session.

In step 40 the BYOD 11 is brought into the meeting room 10. The beacontransmitter 16 can periodically or continuously send out a signal, forexample a signal that cannot be perceived by human beings such as anultrasound signal, e.g. a warble, a UV or infrared signal such as adiverse UV or infrared signal or an optical light signal which ismodulated at such a high frequency that the human eye cannot detect it.The signal is broadcast within a room awaiting that a suitable receiverenters within the proximity or beacon range.

In step 41 the beacon system 22 detects that BYOD 11 and the networkdevice 15 are located within the proximity or beacon range of the beaconsystem 22. The proximity detection (e.g. comprising that a beacon signalhas been received by the beacon receiver) can trigger the BYOD app 19 toconnect with the network device app 18. This step may be preceeded bythe BYOD app 19 receiving a confirmation to connect from the BYOD 11,e.g. the user of the BYOD 11 may be requested to confirm that he/shewants to connect to the network device 15. The event of connecting theBYOD app 19 with the network device app 18, can trigger the BYOD app 19to check if there’s an active UC session connected to the BYOD UC client13 (step 43). If an active UC session is confirmed, the BYOD app 19 cansend an invitation to the network device UC client 24 to join the UCsession (step 44). In step 45, the network device app 18 can check foreach BYOD connected to it if at least one of the connected BYOD alsohave a UC client connected to the UC session. (If a UC session has noBYOD’s in a room, there is no use connecting the room display or otherroom resource to the UC session.) If this is confirmed, the networkdevice app 18 accepts the invitation to join the UC session (step 46).With the procedure described in FIG. 2 , the room display 14 can be madeavailable as participant so that any content displayed on it can beshared to all participants in the UC session. This is independent of howthe content was provided to the room display 14.

It would be possible to have a local BYOD, which is not connected to theUC session, in the meeting room of a network device. The network device(and related room resources) could be connected to a UC session via aremote BYOD which is in the UC session. The local BYOD could connectlocally to the room display (and other room resources) and herebyparticipate in the UC session without having a UC client.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising rooms 60and 80 within the same premise and a remote room 90. All devices in FIG.3 can transmit or receive a beacon signal and comprise a beacontransmitter or receiver respectively (c.f. FIG. 1 ), however the latterhave been left out for clarity. The room 60 comprises a network device61 which can transmit a beacon signal 62, and a network device app 63and a UC client 64. The BYOD 65 can receive the beacon signal 62, andcomprises a BYOD app 66. The BYODs 67, 70 can receive the beacon signal62 and comprises a BYOD app 68, 71 and a UC client 69, 72, respectively.Room 80 comprises a network device 81, which can transmit a beaconsignal 82, a network device app 83 and a UC client 84. The BYOD 85 canreceive the beacon signal 82, and comprises a BYOD app 86 and aUC client87. The remote room 90 comprises a BYOD 91 which in turn comprises aUCclient 92. All device apps 63, 66, 68, 71, 83 and 86 communicates withone or more servers hosting the application cloud 100 via a signalingchannel 101, which can comprise a LAN, Wireless or any similar network..Each UC client can connect to a UC session (not shown) on the UC server,and communicates with a UC server 111 via a UC channel 110, which cancomprise LAN, Wireless or any similar network. Content, such as mediadata streams, can be shared among the BYODs via a data stream channel120 which can comprise LAN, Wireless or any similar network.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention comprising the different actions carried out by a BYODoperator 150, the BYOD 11 (from FIG. 1 ), the network device 15 (fromFIG. 1 ) and a UC server 21 during a connection scenario. For this casethere is not yet any other BYOD connected to the network device 15.While the flow chart in FIG. 2 gives an overview, the present flow chartemphasizes the interaction between the different devices.

The BYOD 11 and the network device 15 each comprises a beacon system 22and an app 19 and 18 repsectively. The operator 150 and the BYOD 11enters the room or location where the network device 15 is located, andturns on the BYOD 11. The beacon systems sends out periodically orcontinuously a beacon signal, for example a signal that cannot beperceived by human beings such as an ultrasound signal, e.g. a warble, aUV or infrared signal such as a diverse UV or infrared signal or anoptical light signal which is modulated at such a high frequency thatthe human eye cannot detect it. In the present scenario, the beaconsystem can comprise a loudspeaker on the network device 15 forperiodically sending out a sound signal such as an ultrasound signale.g. a warble 162 which can be detected by the BYOD 11 via its app instep 163.

Alternatively there can be a second beacon system for proximitydetection present which can detect that BYOD devices are located withinits beacon range and trigger the network device to send out a warblewith connection details (using the first beacon system). The warblecould then be transmitted e.g. during a limited amount of time, or untilall BYODs within the range of the proximity beacon system have connectedto the network device. This solution provides the possibility to notcontinuously transmit the warble.

The BYOD 11 displays an invitation to the operator 150 to confirm thatthe BYOD 11 should be connected to the network device 15. The operator150 confirms the BYOD 11 should be connected (step 165). The BYOD appconnects to the network device 15 (step 166), the network device 15confirms the connection (step 167). The user interface communicates theconfirmed connection (step 267). The operator 150 clicks on a UC call(or session) invitation displayed on the BYOD 11, and the UC clientrequests the UC server 21 to start a UC session (step 169), and the UCserver 21 confirms the UC client of the BYOD 11 is connected to the UCsession (step 170). The app of the BYOD 11 detects the active UC session(step 171), and this triggers the app of the BYOD 11 to invite thenetwork device UC client to the connect to the UC session (step 172).The UC client of the network device 15 request to the UC server 21 toconnect to the UC session (step 173), and the UC server 21 confirms therequest (step 174) and the the network device 15 connects to the UCsession (step 175).

Once (the UC client of) the network device 15 is connected to the UCsession, further BYODs can connect directly to the network device 15 viatheir UC clients. FIG. 5 illustrates an expemplary scenario hereofcomprising a second operator 180 of a second BYOD 181, and the samenetwork device 15. The second BYOD 181 and the network device 15 eachcomprises the same type of beacon system as in the scenario of FIG. 4 ,and the second BYOD comprises a BYOD app.

The second operator 180 and the second BYOD 181 enters the room orlocation where the network device 15 and the BYOD 11 are located (step182), and turns on the second BYOD 181 (step 183). The app detects thewarble 184 of the beacon system (step 185). The second BYOD 181 displaysan invitation to the operator 180 to get confirmed that the second BYOD181 should be connected to the network device 15 (step 186). Theoperator 180 confirms the second BYOD 181 should be connected (step187). The BYOD app connects to the network device 15 (step 188), thenetwork device 15 confirms the connection (step 189). The network device15 sends the UC session details to the second BYOD app (step 190), whichstarts the BYOD UC client (step 191) and connects to the UC session.

Part I detecting presence and establishing a connection The BYOD, adevice with an application running on, is being used to detect thecurrent meeting room The network device, a device being used to identifythe current meeting room If presence signal detected then Do - every xclock ticks or when triggered by an event    Validate the signal   Decrypt the signal    Send an identification signal    Extractnetwork device End Do identification details If authentication requestreceived then    Request authentication with the network identity   Generate authentication code for given identity for a BYOD with givenidentity    Store authentication code-identity pair End if    Ifauthentication code detected then    Send the authentication code to therequesting BYOD    Decrypt authentication code    Send connectionrequest to End if network device If connection request received thenwith authentication-identity pair    Retrieve authentication code forgiven identity End if If connection request confirmation pair fromauthentication-identity list received then    Validateauthentication-identity pair    Set current BYOD state to connected   Confirm connection request End if End if

Part II automated invitation of the network device in the UC session IfUC is being detected then    If BYOD is connected to network device then      // Invite network device into detected UC session       Retrievenetwork device identity from stored connection details       Request UCapplication to add identity (whether BYOD or network device) to UCsession    End if End If

Part III automated acceptance and authentication of an ongoing UCsession by the network device If network device is being invited into UCsession then     // Validate whether one of the BYODs is in the meetingroom     Retrieve identity details of BYODs in UC session     SetapproveInvitation to false     For each identity in UC session        Ifidentity is found in connected identity list then            SetapproveInvitation to true        End if     End for     IfapproveInvitation is true then        Allow UC application to acceptinvitation     End if End If

FIG. 6 shows flow charts 200 and 205 of embodiments of the presentinvention where the UC client of a BYOD is initially connected to a UCsession and the BYOD is connected to a network device and where the BYODdisconnects from the UC session or disconnects from the network device.

The flow chart 200 illustrates a scenario when one BYOD leaves thebeacon range so that the connection to the network device is broken, orcloses the connection to the UC session (step 201), but there is stillanother BYOD within the beacon range connected to the network device.The UC client stops accessing the UC session (step 202). The stoppedcall is detected by the BYOD app (203) and the BYOD app disconnects theBYOD from the network device (204).

The flow chart 205 illustrates a scenario when the last BYOD within thebeacon range moves out of the beacon range. The BYOD app detects thatthe BYOD is no longer within the range (step 207). The BYOD appdisconnects the BYOD from the network device (step 208) and the networkdevice UC client disconnects from the UC session (step 209).

FIGS. 7 to 9 show state diagrams of embodiments of the presentinvention. In each state diagram, the black dot is the start point andeach arrow is an event. A rectangular block represents the state of thedevice after an event; several events can lead to the same state. Adiamond symbol represents a point of choice where several events can bepossible, often depending on the environmental conditions.

In the text describing FIGS. 7 to 9 , the simplified expression “join aUC session” will be used for a BYOD or a network device. This cancomprise (as described in FIG. 4 and related text):

-   the BYOD and the network device connect to each other, if they are    not already connected, and/or-   the BYOD UC client and/or the network device clients are activated    and access a UC session (running on a UC server).

A BYOD or a network device can “leave a UC session” by no longeraccessing the UC session.

Further, the “beacon range” is the range of the beacon system, describedin FIG. 1 and related text. “Local content” is shared by means otherthan via the UC session. “UC content” is shared within the UC session.

The state diagram 300 in FIG. 7 shows possible states for a networkdevice. At starting point 301 the network device app is started oractivated 301 and goes to “ready” 302. In event 303, a BYOD can “join aUC session” when it is located within the “beacon range” of the beaconsystem. Alternatively, the BYOD has already joined a UC session and thenenters the “beacon range” of the beacon system. Event 303 ends with apoint of choice 304, comprising the possibility of the BYOD to not sharecontent 305 or to share content 306. Both 305 and 306 leads to state 307where the network device is connected to a UC session. State 307comprises the sub-states of UC content “not shared” 308 or “shared” 309.Additionally or alternatively, the BYOD can share “local content” 310 tothe network device. Within state 307 there can be a change betweensub-states 308 to 310, for example via 311 where the BYOD stops sharinglocal content or UC content, or via 312 where the BYOD shares UC contentvia the UC session, or via 313 where the BYOD shares local content. Fromstate 307, the BYOD can leave the beacon range or “leave the UC session”314 to end up in a point of choice 315. If there is still a BYOD locatedwithin the meeting room 316, the network device will remain in the UCsession and state 307. If there is no more BYOD located within themeeting room 317, the network device UC client disconnects from the UCsession and returns to “ready” 302. If a BYOD is located within themeeting room and connected with the network device, which is in state“ready” 302, the BYOD can share local content 318 to the network device,which adopts the state “content shared locally” 319. If a connected BYODstops sharing locally, or leaves the beacon range 320, the networkdevice returns to “ready” 302. Of a connected BYOD starts a call whenlocated within the beacon range, or brings a call into the beacon range321, the network device goes to the point of choice 304, describedabove.

The state diagram 340 in FIG. 8 shows possible states for a BYOD. Atstarting point 341 the BYOD is located outside a beacon range related toa network device. The BYOD app is started 342 and the BYOD adopts thestate “not in meeting room” 343. The BYOD can now be connected to thenetwork device manually 344 and arriving at a point of choice 345.Alternatively, the BYOD can enter within the beacon range 346 and adopta “detected” state 347. The BYOD can now be offered to connect to thenetwork device and adopt sub-state “connection offered” 348. The BYODmay ignore the offer and adopt sub-state “ignore” 349, or the BYOD canaccept the connection 350 and arrive at the point of choice 345. Fromthe state “ignore” 349 it is also possible for the BYOD to request aconnection 351 in order to arrive at the point of choice 345. The BYODcan leave 352 the detected state 347 and arrive at the state “not inmeeting room” 343. The point of choice 345 may comprise “no ongoing UCsession” 353 whereby the BYOD will adopt the stae of “connected” 354 andits substatte “not sharing” 355. Alternatively, there can already be anongoing call that the BYOD joins 356 whereby the BYOD adopts theconnected state 354 and its sub-state “shared UC session” 357. From the“not sharing” 355, the BYOD can share locally 358 and adopt “sharinglocally” 359 and again stop sharing 360 and return to “not sharing” 355.Alternativelly, the BYOD can adopt the state of “shared UC session” 357by starting from “sharing locally” 359 and start or join a UC session361, whereby the UC sharing can be given priority over local sharing sothat the local sharing is stopped. Alternatively, starting from the BYOD“sharing locally” 359, the network device can stop the local sharingfrom the BYOD and join a UC session 362 so that the content from theBYOD can now be shared via the UC session. Further, from the “notsharing” 355, the BYOD can start a UC session or join an ongoing UC call(or session) and adopt “shared UC session” 357. Alternatively, thenetowrk device can join an ongoing UC session 364 and adopt “shared UCsession” 357. From the “shared UC session” 357, the BYOD can leave theUC session 365 and return to “ignore” 349. From any of the “connected”354 states, the the BYOD can disconnect 366 from the network device andreturn to “ignore” 349 or the BYOD can be brought out of the beaconrange 367 and return to the state “not in meeting room” 343.

The state diagram 380 in FIG. 9 shows possible states for a BYOD whichdoes not have a UC client installed. At starting point 381 the BYOD islocated outside a beacon range related to a network device. The BYOD appis started 382 and the BYOD goes to state “not in meeting room” 382. TheBYOD can now be brought into the beacon range 383 and adopt the state“not sharing” 384. If the BYOD leaves the beacon range, it will returnto “not in meeting room” 382. Alternatively, if the BYOD shares contentlocally 385 to the network device (which is not in a UC session) it canadopt the state “sharing locally” 386. The BYOD can now stop sharing 387(and another BYOD can start sharing) so it returns to the “not sharing”384. Alternatively, starting from “sharing locally” 386, the BYOD can bebrought out of the beacon range 388 and return to “not in meeting room”382.

Electronic devices e.g. network devices such as described with respectto embodiments of the present invention can be standalone digitalprocessing devices or can be embedded in another device. Such devices ormethods can use a digital processing engine to carry out functions. Theprocessing engine preferably has processing capability such as providedby one or more microprocessors, FPGA’s, or a central processing unit(CPU) and/or a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), and is adapted to carryout the respective functions by being programmed with software, i.e. oneor more computer programs. References to software can encompass any typeof programs in any language executable directly or indirectly by aprocessor, either via a compiled or interpretative language such asJava. The implementation of any of the methods of the present inventioncan be performed by or assisted by logic circuits, electronic hardware,processors or circuitry which can encompass any kind of logic or analogcircuitry, integrated to any degree, and not limited to general purposeprocessors, digital signal processors, ASICs, FPGAs, discrete componentsor transistor logic gates and similar.

Such devices may have memory (such as non-volatile memory,non-transitory computer readable medium, RAM and/or ROM), an operatingsystem, optionally a display such as a fixed format display, ports fordata entry devices such as a keyboard, a pointer device such as a“mouse”, serial or parallel ports to communicate other devices, networkcards and connections to connect to any of the networks. The softwarecan be embodied in a computer program product adapted to carry out thefunctions itemised below when the software is loaded onto the controllerand executed on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s etc. devices for use with any of the embodiments of thepresent invention can incorporate a computer system capable of runningone or more computer applications in the form of computer software.

When the software is loaded onto the respective device or devices andexecuted on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s methods of embodiments of the present invention can beperformed by one or more computer programs running on an electronicdevice by being loaded into a memory and run on or in association withan operating system such as Windows™ supplied by Microsoft Corp, USA,Linux, Android or similar. The electronic device can include a mainmemory, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include anon-transitory hard disk drive and/or a removable non-transitory memory,and/or a non-transitory solid state memory. Non-transitory removablememory can be an optical disk such as a compact disc (CD-ROM orDVD-ROM), a magnetic tape, which is read by and written to by a suitablereader. The removable non-transitory memory can be a computer readablemedium having stored therein computer software and/or data. Thenon-volatile storage memory can be used to store persistent informationthat should not be lost if the computer system is powered down. Theapplication programs may use and store information in the non-volatilememory.

When the software is loaded onto the respective device or devices andexecuted on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s the following functions are carried out:

joining a network device having a UC client to a UC session connected toat least one BYOD having a BYOD UC client.

When the software is loaded onto the respective device or devices andexecuted on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s the following functions are carried out:

-   the network device and the BYOD can each comprise a beacon    transmitter configured to periodically or continuously transmit a    beacon signal, the beacon signal having a range, or a beacon    receiver configured to receive the beacon signal within its range,    so that they can exchange the beacon signal,-   the network device comprising an ID, a network device application    (app) and the UC client, and the BYOD comprising a BYOD app and the    BYOD UC client.

When the software is loaded onto the respective device or devices andexecuted on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s the following functions are carried out:

-   bringing the BYOD and the network device within the beacon signal    range so that the BYOD and the network device exchange a beacon    signal comprising the network device ID,-   generating and registering an authentication-ID key,-   the exchanged beacon signal triggering the BYOD app and the network    device app to configure a data channel between them,-   the configured data channel triggering the BYOD app to check if the    BYOD UC client is connected to a UC session,-   if so, the BYOD app sending an invitation comprising the    authentication-ID key to the network device app instructing the UC    client to connect to the UC session,-   the network device app checking if at least one BYOD app that has a    configured data channel to the network device app is also in the UC    session,-   if so, the network device app accepting the invitation and    instructing the network device UC client to connect to the UC    session.

When the software is loaded onto the respective device or devices andexecuted on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s the following functions are carried out:

-   for a second BYOD, the network device and the second BYOD each    comprising a beacon transmitter configured to periodically or    continuously transmit a beacon signal, the beacon signal having a    range,or a beacon receiver configured to receive the beacon signal    within its range, so that they can exchange the beacon signal, the    beacon signal having a range,-   the second BYOD comprises a second BYOD app and a second BYOD UC    client.

When the software is loaded onto the respective device or devices andexecuted on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s the following functions are carried out:

-   bringing the second BYOD and the network device within the beacon    signal range so that the second BYOD and the network device can    exchange a beacon signal,-   the exchanged beacon signal triggering the second BYOD app and the    network device app to configure a data channel between them,-   the configured data channel triggering the second BYOD app to check    if the network device UC client is connected to a UC session,-   if so, the second BYOD app instructing the second UC client to    connect to the UC session.

When the software is loaded onto the respective device or devices andexecuted on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s the following functions are carried out:

the network device and the BYOD can comprise a second beacon systemhaving a range for proximity detection and comprising a beacontransmitter configured to periodically or continuously transmit a beaconsignal, the method comprising bringing the network device and the BYODwithin the range for proximity detection, the second beacon systemexchanging a beacon signal, which triggers the transmitter of the firstbeacon system to periodically or continuously send out a beacon signalduring a limited amount of time or until a data channel has beenconfigured between the network device and the BYOD.

When the software is loaded onto the respective device or devices andexecuted on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s the following functions are carried out:

-   registering a data channel between the BYOD and the network device    which is preceeded by the BYOD confirming to connect with the    network device;-   when the BYOD comprises a BYOD identity, further comprising    registering a data channel, the method comprising the BYOD app    requesting authentication with the network device app for the BYOD    identity,-   alternatively, registering a data channel, the method comprising the    network device app generating and registering an authentication code    with the BYOD identity.

When the software is loaded onto the respective device or devices andexecuted on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s the following functions are carried out:

-   when the network device is connected to a room resource having input    and output signals, the network device app controlling the input and    output signals of the room resource,-   the BYOD app adopts a BYOD app state and the BYOD UC client adopts a    BYOD UC client state, the method comprising the step of the BYOD app    bringing the BYOD UC client state equal to the BYOD app state.

When the software is loaded onto the respective device or devices andexecuted on one or more processing engines such as microprocessors,ASIC’s, FPGA’s the following functions are carried out:

is provided having a BYOD app and no BYOD UC client, and when thenetwork device is being connected to a UC session, a BYOD app of anotherBYOD of a third type sharing content to the network device app, thenetwork device app sharing the content to the network device UC clientwhich then shares the content in the UC session.

Summarising the above, the present invention in first aspect provides amethod for joining a network device having a UC client to a UC sessionconnected to at least one BYOD having a BYOD UC client,

-   the network device and the BYOD each comprising a beacon transmitter    configured to periodically or continuously transmit a beacon signal,    the beacon signal having a range, or a beacon receiver configured to    receive the beacon signal within its range, so that they can    exchange the beacon signal,-   the network device comprising an ID, a network device application    (app) and the UC client, and the BYOD comprising a BYOD app and the    BYOD UC client,-   the method comprising the steps of    -   bringing the BYOD and the network device within the beacon        signal range so that the    -   BYOD and the network device exchange a beacon signal comprising        the network device ID,    -   generating and registering an authentication-ID key,-   the exchanged beacon signal triggering the BYOD app and the network    device app to configure a data channel between them,-   the configured data channel triggering the BYOD app to check if the    BYOD UC client is connected to a UC session,-   if so, the BYOD app sending an invitation comprising the    authentication-ID key to the network device app instructing the UC    client to connect to the UC session,-   the network device app checking if at least one BYOD app that has a    configured data channel to the network device app is also in the UC    session,-   if so, the network device app accepting the invitation and    instructing the network device UC client to connect to the UC    session.

The first aspect may include a second aspect being a second BYOD, thenetwork device and the second BYOD each comprising a beacon transmitterconfigured to periodically or continuously transmit a beacon signal, thebeacon signal having a range,or a beacon receiver configured to receivethe beacon signal within its range, so that they can exchange the beaconsignal, the beacon signal having a range,

-   the second BYOD comprises a second BYOD app and a second BYOD UC    client,-   the method further comprising the steps of-   bringing the second BYOD and the network device within the beacon    signal range so that the second BYOD and the network device can    exchange a beacon signal,-   the exchanged beacon signal triggering the second BYOD app and the    network device app to configure a data channel between them,-   the configured data channel triggering the second BYOD app to check    if the network device UC client is connected to a UC session,-   if so, the second BYOD app instructing the second UC client to    connect to the UC session.

Either the first or second aspect can include a third aspect wherein thenetwork device and the BYOD comprise a second beacon system having arange for proximity detection and comprising a beacon transmitterconfigured to periodically or continuously transmit a beacon signal, themethod comprising bringing the network device and the BYOD within therange for proximity detection, the second beacon system exchanging abeacon signal, which triggers the transmitter of the first beacon systemto periodically or continuously send out a beacon signal during alimited amount of time or until a data channel has been configuredbetween the network device and the BYOD.

A fourth aspect that can include any combination of the first to thirdaspects can comprise a step of registering a data channel between theBYOD and the network device which is preceeded by the BYOD confirming toconnect with the network device.

A fifth aspect that can include any combination of the first to fourthaspects can comprise a step of registering a data channel between theBYOD and the network device which is preceeded by the BYOD confirming toconnect with the network device.

In a sixth aspect that can include any combination of the first to fifthaspects the BYOD comprises a BYOD identity, and further comprises a stepof registering a data channel, the method comprising the BYOD apprequesting authentication with the network device app for the BYODidentity.

A seventh aspect that can include any combination of the first to sixthaspects comprises a step of registering a data channel between the BYODand the network device which is preceeded by the BYOD confirming toconnect with the network device.

An eigth aspect that can include any combination of the first to seventhaspects can comprise a step of registering a data channel, the methodcomprising the network device app generating and registering anauthentication code with the BYOD identity.

A ninth aspect that can include any combination of the first to seventhaspects comprises a step of registering a data channel between the BYODand the network device which is preceeded by the BYOD confirming toconnect with the network device.

In a tenth aspect that can include any combination of the first to ninthaspects the network device can be connected to a room resource havinginput and output signals, and the method comprising the step of thenetwork device app controlling the input and output signals of the roomresource.

An eleventh aspect that can include any combination of the first totenth aspects comprises a step of registering a data channel between theBYOD and the network device which is preceeded by the BYOD confirming toconnect with the network device.

In twelth aspect that can include any combination of the first toeleventh aspects the BYOD app adopts a BYOD app state and the BYOD UCclient adopts a BYOD UC client state, the method comprising the step ofthe BYOD app bringing the BYOD UC client state equal to the BYOD appstate.

A thirteenth aspect that can include any combination of the first toeigth aspects comprises a step of registering a data channel between theBYOD and the network device which is preceeded by the BYOD confirming toconnect with the network device.

An fourteenth aspect that can include any combination of the first toseventh aspects can comprise another BYOD of a third type having a BYODapp and no BYOD UC client, the method comprising when the network deviceis being connected to a UC session, the BYOD app of the another BYOD ofthe third type sharing content to the network device app, the networkdevice app sharing the content to the network device UC client whichthen shares the content in the UC session.

A fifteenth aspect comprises a system for joining a network devicehaving a UC client to a UC session connected to at least one BYOD havinga UC client,

-   the network device and the BYOD each having a beacon transmitter    configured to periodically or continuously transmit a beacon signal,    the beacon signal having a range, or a beacon receiver configured to    receive the beacon signal within its range, so that they can    exchange the beacon signal,-   the network device comprising an ID, a network device app and the UC    client, and the BYOD comprising a BYOD app and the BYOD UC client,-   if the BYOD and the network device are positioned within the beacon    signal range, there is an exchange of a beacon signal between the    network device and the BYOD, wherein the beacon signal comprises a    network device ID and a corresponding authentication-ID for    authorizing the BYOD UC client to connect to the UC session.

In a sixteenth aspect a second BYOD, the network device and the secondBYOD each comprise a beacon transmitter configured to periodically orcontinuously transmit a beacon signal, the beacon signal having a range,or a beacon receiver configured to receive the beacon signal within itsrange, so that they can exchange the beacon signal,

-   the second BYOD comprising a second BYOD app and a second UC client,-   the system is configured to:    -   bringing the second BYOD and the network device within the        beacon signal range so that the second BYOD and the network        device can exchange a beacon signal,    -   the exchanged beacon signal triggering the second BYOD app and        the network device app to configure a data channel between them,    -   the configured data channel triggering the second BYOD app to        check if the network device UC client is connected to a UC        session,    -   if so, the second BYOD app instructing the second UC client to        connect to the UC session.

In a seventeenth aspect that depends on the sixteenth aspect the networkdevice and the BYOD comprise a second beacon system having a range forproximity detection and comprising a beacon transmitter configured toperiodically or continuously transmit a beacon signal, the methodcomprising bringing the network device and the BYOD within the range forproximity detection, the second beacon system exchanging a beaconsignal, which triggers the transmitter of the first beacon system toperiodically or continuously send out a beacon signal during a limitedamount of time or until a data channel has been configured between thenetwork device and the BYOD.

An eigthteenth aspect that depends on any of the sixteenth andseventeenth aspects comprises a BYOD confirmation to connect to thenetwork device and a registered data channel between the BYOD and thenetwork device.

A nineteenth aspect that depends on any of the sixteenth, seventeenth,and eighteenth aspects comprises where the BYOD comprises an BYODidentity, and wherein the system comprises a registered data channel anda BYOD app request for authentication of the BYOD identity with thenetwork device app.

A twentieth aspect that depends on any of the sixteenth, seventeenth,eigthteenth and nineteenth aspects comprises further comprising aregistered data channel and wherein the network device app comprises anauthentication code with the BYOD identity.

In a twenty-first aspect that depends on any of the sixteenth totwentieth aspects the network device is connected to a room resourcehaving input and output signals which are controlled by the networkdevice.

In a twenty-second aspect that depends on any of the sixteenth totwenty-first aspects the BYOD app has a BYOD app state and the BYOD UCclient has a BYOD UC client state and the system being configured tohave the BYOD app bringing the BYOD UC client state equal to the BYODapp state.

In a twenty-third aspect that depends on any of the sixteenth totwenty-second aspects comprises another BYOD of a third type having aBYOD app and no BYOD UC client, the network device is connected to a UCsession, the BYOD app of the another BYOD of the third type sharescontent to the network device app, the network device app shares thecontent to the network device UC client which then shares the content inthe UC session.

In another aspect a processing device is provided comprising aprocessing unit, an operating system, a memory, and a beacon transmitteror receiver, the memory comprising at least one pre-installed executablecomputer program product providing a communication protocol forcommunication between the processing device and a standard class of BYODdevices, the processing device being configured to

-   having the BYOD and the network device exchanging a beacon signal    comprising the network device ID,-   generating and registering an authentication-ID key,-   having the exchanged beacon signal triggering the BYOD app and the    network device app to configure a data channel between them,-   having the configured data channel triggering the BYOD app to check    if the BYOD UC client is connected to a UC session,-   if so, having the BYOD app sending an invitation comprising the    authentication-ID key to the network device app instructing the UC    client to connect to the UC session,-   having the network device app checking if at least one BYOD app that    has a configured data channel to the network device app is also in    the UC session,-   and if so, having the network device app accepting the invitation    and instructing the network device UC client to connect to the UC    session.

1. A method for joining a network device to at least one bring your owndevice (BYOD), the network device and the BYOD each comprising a beacontransmitter configured to periodically or continuously transmit a beaconsignal, the beacon signal having a range, or a beacon receiverconfigured to receive the beacon signal within its range, so that theycan exchange the beacon signal, the network device comprising an ID anda network device application (app), and the BYOD comprising a BYOD appand a BYOD unified communications (UC) client, the method comprising thesteps of: bringing the BYOD and the network device within the beaconsignal range so that the BYOD and the network device exchange a beaconsignal comprising the network device ID, the exchanged beacon signaltriggering the BYOD app and the network device app to configure a datachannel between them, and when the channel is configured, the BYOD appadopts a BYOD app state and the BYOD UC client adopts a BYOD UC clientstate, further comprising the BYOD UC client state being brought equalto the BYOD app state.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein thenetwork device and the BYOD comprise a second beacon system having arange for proximity detection and comprising a beacon transmitterconfigured to periodically or continuously transmit a beacon signal, themethod comprising bringing the network device and the BYOD within therange for proximity detection, the second beacon system exchanging abeacon signal, which triggers the transmitter of the first beacon systemto periodically or continuously send out a beacon signal during alimited amount of time or until a data channel has been configuredbetween the network device and the BYOD.
 3. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising a step of registering a data channel betweenthe BYOD and the network device which is preceded by the BYOD confirmingto connect with the network device.
 4. The method according to claim 1,wherein the BYOD comprises a BYOD identity, further comprising a step ofregistering a data channel, the method comprising the BYOD apprequesting authentication with the network device app for the BYODidentity.
 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a stepof registering a data channel, the method comprising the network deviceapp generating and registering an authentication code with the BYODidentity.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the network deviceis connected to a room resource having input and output signals, and themethod comprising the step of the network device app controlling theinput and output signals of the room resource.
 7. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the BYOD app adopts a BYOD app state and the BYOD UCclient adopts a BYOD UC client state, the method comprising the step ofthe BYOD app bringing the BYOD UC client state equal to the BYOD appstate.
 8. A system for joining a network device to at least one BYOD,the network device and the BYOD each having a beacon transmitterconfigured to periodically or continuously transmit a beacon signal, thebeacon signal having a range, or a beacon receiver configured to receivethe beacon signal within its range, so that they can exchange the beaconsignal, the network device comprising an ID, and a network device appand the BYOD comprising a BYOD app and a BYOD UC client, if the BYOD andthe network device are positioned within the beacon signal range, thereis an exchange of a beacon signal between the network device and theBYOD, wherein the beacon signal comprises a network device ID,theexchanged beacon signal triggering the second BYOD app and the networkdevice app to configure a data channel between them, and when thechannel is configured, the BYOD app adopts a BYOD app state and the BYODUC client adopts a BYOD UC client state, further comprising the BYOD UCclient state being brought equal to the BYOD app state.
 9. The systemaccording to claim 8, wherein the network device and the BYOD comprise asecond beacon system having a range for proximity detection andcomprising a beacon transmitter configured to periodically orcontinuously transmit a beacon signal, the system comprising bringingthe network device and the BYOD within the range for proximitydetection, the second beacon system exchanging a beacon signal, whichtriggers the transmitter of the first beacon system to periodically orcontinuously send out a beacon signal during a limited amount of time oruntil a data channel has been configured between the network device andthe BYOD.
 10. The system according to claim 8, further comprising a BYODconfirmation to connect to the network device and a registered datachannel between the BYOD and the network device.
 11. The systemaccording to claim 8, wherein the BYOD comprises an BYOD identity, andwherein the system comprises a registered data channel and a BYOD apprequest for authentication of the BYOD identity with the network deviceapp.
 12. The system according to claim 8, further comprising aregistered data channel and wherein the network device app comprises anauthentication code with the BYOD identity.
 13. The system according toclaim 8, wherein the network device is connected to a room resourcehaving input and output signals which are controlled by the networkdevice app.
 14. The system according to claim 8, wherein the BYOD apphas a BYOD app state and the BYOD UC client has a BYOD UC client stateand the system being configured to have the BYOD app bringing the BYODUC client state equal to the BYOD app state.
 15. A processing devicecomprising a processing unit, an operating system, a memory, and abeacon transmitter or receiver, the memory comprising at least onepre-installed executable computer program product providing acommunication protocol for communication between the processing deviceand a standard class of BYOD devices, the processing device beingconfigured to have the BYOD and the network device exchanging a beaconsignal comprising the network device ID, having the exchanged beaconsignal triggering a BYOD app and a network device app to configure adata channel between them, and when the channel is configured, the BYODapp adopts a BYOD app state and the BYOD UC client adopts a BYOD UCclient state, further comprising the BYOD UC client state being broughtequal to the BYOD app state.
 16. A non-transitory computer programproduct which when executed on a processing engine performs a methodaccording to claim
 1. 17. The method according to claim 1 wherein thebringing of the BYOD UC client state equal to the BYOD app state, refersto audio or audio visual communications.
 18. The system according toclaim 8 wherein the BYOD UC client state being brought equal to the BYODapp state, refers to audio or audio visual communications.
 19. Theprocessing device according to claim 15, wherein the BYOD UC clientstate being brought equal to the BYOD app state, refers to audio oraudio visual communications.